Hachinohe: Where Nature and Culture Unite

As the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main island, Honshu, Aomori offers big open skies, fresh air straight off the Pacific, and a relaxed way of life that is refreshingly different from the non-stop energy of Japan’s major metropolitan hubs.

Surrounded by the ocean on one side, and mountains and forests on the other, Aomori’s second largest city, Hachinohe, makes the most of its setting. Blending nature and local culture, the city is warm, welcoming, and full of character. Wander through the lively Tatehana Wharf Morning Market to check out fresh local produce, or explore the lantern-lit alleyways of Miroku Yokocho for a down-to-earth dining experience.

Hachinohe marks the northern entrance to the over 1,000-kilometer Michinoku Coastal Trail, one of Japan’s most scenic long-distance hiking paths.

The Hachinohe section of this hike allows travellers to admire the stunning Tanesashi Coast. The easy 11-kilometer day hike, suitable even for beginner hikers, weaves through wide open grasslands and past dramatic rock formations, all while highlighting the splendor of Aomori’s coastline.

Thanks to the city's relaxed pace, a day spent here flows naturally from one authentic experience to the next.

Peruse the wares of the morning market before taking a leisurely stroll along the coastline. Perhaps the morning’s purchases can make for the perfect picnic. End the day indulging in locally caught seafood, and connect with the people of Hachinohe.

Here, you can experience Aomori’s coastal life, seeing how nature, community, and good food are all that’s needed.

Getting to Hachinohe is simple.

The JR EAST PASS offers unlimited travel on JR lines, including the Tohoku Shinkansen, for 5 or 10 consecutive days starting from the date of your choice, giving travelers flexible and great-value access to northern Japan.

With the JAL Japan Explorer Pass, travelers can enjoy affordable flights to Misawa or Aomori Airport. From either airport, Hachinohe is easily accessible and offers a refreshing coastal escape waiting to be discovered.